ABSTRACT
This chapter discusses buprenorphine, a neuropsychotropic drug. It presents the approved indications of the drug for neuropsychological disorders, usual dosage and administration, available dosage forms, storage, and compatibility, and the mechanism of action. Information on relative contraindications, clinically significant drug interactions, adverse drug reactions, and overdosage is also provided. Sold under the trade name Buprenex®, buprenorphine is prescribed for moderate to severe pain. Buprenorphine’s exact mechanism of action has not been fully determined. However, it probably exerts its analgesic action by binding to mu-opiate receptors, for which it has high affinity. Buprenorphine may cause addiction and habituation similar to that associated with morphine, probably because of its opiate-like euphoric action. However, a buprenorphine withdrawal syndrome has not been demonstrated.
